Born: 1990 (Paris, France)
Biography:
Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson (born 15 April 1990) is an English actress, model, and activist. Known for her roles in both blockbusters and independent films, as well as for her women’s rights work, she has become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Watson was born in Paris, France, to lawyer parents Jacqueline Luesby and Chris Watson. She has a younger brother named Alex. At the age of five, her parents divorced, and she moved to England with her mother and brother. Growing up, Watson developed a passion for acting and took part in various school plays. She attended the Dragon School, an esteemed preparatory school in Oxford, England.
In her pursuit of acting, Watson enrolled in the Oxford branch of Stagecoach Theatre Arts, where she honed her skills and gained confidence in her craft. She showcased her talent early on when she auditioned for the role of Hermione Granger in the film adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s best-selling book series, Harry Potter.
Watson’s audition was a success, and she secured the role that would become her breakthrough. At the age of eleven, she made her professional acting debut in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (released as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in the United States) in 2001. The film’s immense success propelled Watson to stardom, as she reprised her role as Hermione Granger in the subsequent Harry Potter films.
While her work in the Harry Potter franchise garnered her international acclaim, Watson sought to challenge herself by taking on diverse roles. She starred in the television adaptation of Ballet Shoes in 2007 and lent her voice to the animated film The Tale of Despereaux in 2008.
Following the conclusion of the Harry Potter film series, Watson delved into other projects to further establish her versatility as an actress. In 2011, she appeared in My Week with Marilyn in a supporting role, showcasing her ability to adapt to different genres. The following year, Watson starred in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, earning critical acclaim for her portrayal of Sam, a free-spirited student.
Continuing to challenge herself, Watson took on roles in Sofia Coppola’s The Bling Ring (2013) and Darren Aronofsky’s biblical epic Noah (2014), further solidifying her reputation as a talented and versatile actress.
Watson’s success in the film industry has been recognized through numerous accolades. She received a Young Artist Award for her portrayal of Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films and has won three MTV Movie Awards. Her talent and influence have also been acknowledged outside the realm of acting. Forbes and Vanity Fair have listed Watson among the world’s highest-paid actresses, while Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2015.
Beyond her acting career, Watson is a passionate advocate for women’s rights. In 2014, she graduated from Brown University with a bachelor’s degree in English literature, demonstrating her dedication to education alongside her film endeavors. That same year, she was appointed a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and played a crucial role in launching the UN Women campaign HeForShe, which advocates for gender equality.
Watson’s commitment to gender equality and women’s rights extends further. She co-founded Time’s Up UK in 2018, an organization that aims to combat sexual harassment in the workplace. Additionally, her advocacy led to an appointment to a G7 advisory body for women’s rights in 2019, where she provided valuable insights and consultation on foreign policy matters relating to gender equality.
In her personal life, Watson is also known for her involvement in the fashion industry. She has modeled for well-known brands such as Burberry and Lancôme and took part in campaigns promoting sustainable fashion. In 2020, Watson joined the board of directors of Kering, a luxury brand group, further highlighting her dedication to supporting sustainable fashion initiatives.
In 2023, Watson embarked on a new venture outside of her acting and advocacy work. She co-founded Renais, a gin brand inspired by her family’s wine-making history in the Chablis wine region. This project reflects her commitment to sustainability and the preservation of traditional practices.
Emma Watson’s impact on society reaches far beyond her on-screen performances. Through her activism, she has become an influential figure in the fight for gender equality, using her platform to advocate for positive change. Her dedication to education, sustainability, and women’s rights continues to inspire and empower others, cementing her legacy as a role model for future generations.
Awards:
– Young Artist Award for Outstanding Performance in a Feature Film – Supporting Young Actress (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets)
– MTV Movie Award for Best On-Screen Team (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire)
– MTV Movie Award for Best Female Performance (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince)